There are many, many great things about SigForum. I thought it to be the time to consider our blessings by acknowledging just four of them.

Honor. One dictionary defines honor as, “Great Respect; Esteem”. Another defines it as, “Too Regard with Great Respect; to fulfill an obligation or Fulfill an Agreement”.

So how should we think about honor and its association with SigForum? Our members, more on purpose than by accident, have a form of deep respect for their fellow board mates. This is evident in how quickly an apology is issued after a mistake or bad words are shared. Now most of us have slighted another member or two over the years, at least I have. But in the end, don’t we come away with a deep respect for our SigForum brothers and sisters, despite our differences? We look at the opportunity to respect others with our knowledge, time, expertise, and even humor as way of building each other up. We view this respect as an obligation we ‘owe’ one another. This honor that we show others and ourselves is not common or SOP anywhere else that I have found. And those that repeatedly do not display this attitude are dismissed in short order.

Brotherhood. Our brotherhood is unmistakable and undeniable. How often do we see posts of those who are concerned for a member they have not heard from in some time (think Paragon, Kevmo, Spectre--and that’s just this week)? We look out for our invisible brothers and sisters with the same concern we would some our actual family. Just think of the Gofundme Crowd Sourcing that would run rampant, if it was not controlled. This is not the wild, wild west, and Crowd Sourcing must be completely regulated to resist its abuse, but the feeling of brotherhood impels us to want to care for the needs of others, whether that be monetarily, emotionally, or even those in need physically. Also too, consider how we value the friendships we’ve made over the years, even having get-togethers to meet up and get to know each other. This draws all of us closer together.

Family. Just because we are not actually fleshly related to each other in a nuclear family does not diminish the family we have become, here. Some people would scoff at what we have here, saying it’s foolish to consider an internet discussion board as any kind of family. “How ridiculous and even sad”, they would say. Many of us know better. There is a kind of concern family members share for each other. And just like a nuclear physical family, even with our kin as diverse and numerous in their behavior and thinking as they are, continue with this frame of mind. On the note of family, who can deny David Troung’s professionalism, generosity, and courtesy? Who can deny Chongo’s, and Kevin’s, and others, unique perspective and insight into interactions with the police. Where would be without the comedy of MA, SC, SM, ASG, JS, B, and so, so many others? How would we get help with our yards, cars, appliances, the law, and a myriad other things that our specialists have to offer? Who would console us with thoughts and prayers of a hundred people in mere minutes, when we have need, if not our family? If you’ve never been a part of SigForum, you just don’t know what a family an internet discussion board can be.

Of special note is the Administration of this board. Like the parent or head of household of a physical family, we have those that tirelessly look after our wellbeing, protect us from harm, and even save us from ourselves at times. They are firm when they have to be, kind when they need to be, and judicious when they must be. If this is a family, then it is they that shape and guide its direction.

Generosity. And then there is generosity, which has become a kind of glue that binds us together. The Karma, the Mystery Box Karma, the numerous gifts that come your way, even unexpectedly, out of nowhere, are a thread that is irreversibly woven into the fabric of our members. By example, 12131’s generosity is unmatched, even on this board. He is the benchmark that we all strive to be like, setting the bar rather high, even gifting firearms at times to people he hasn’t even spoken with ‘In Real Life’. The monthly gifts of DT are an outstanding example of giving. Even CL’s MOZ, gives us a tranquility that just can’t be had any other way. So many others offer goods, services, expertise, and advice, without even the hint of wanting anything in return. I could write a 1,000 page book on our member’s generosity and kindness. They truly seem boundless.

So, SigForum, we value you, for your Honor, Brotherhood, Family, and Generosity.

These types of ‘SigForum Appreciation’ threads seldom last very long, for some reason. Nevertheless, please share your appreciation of SigForum.

H&K-Guy

Hard to do any better than what you've already said.

I tried to introduce the concept of "karma" as practiced here on another board. Fell flat on it's face.

In my admittedly limited experience, this place is unique.

To steal a phrase H&K-Guy, MEGA DITTOS!

Well said H&K-Guy

Last year I came closer than I ever have to deleting my screen name and leaving SF. It was the qualities H&K-Guy mentioned that kept me part of "the family".

Bravo, sir. Well said.

I'd like to add

Honesty

Honesty in deed, thought and expression. That has been my experience with members here. I have great faith and confidence that what a member tells me or promises will be done and is so.

Many of us have been here a long time and it's such a part of the everyday norm to visit and socialize.
I'm not on much anymore as life does that to us sometimes, but I don like to see what everyone is up to and how they're doing.
I hope that with each new member they come to find themselves part of the SigForum family.

I like it here, 'tis a damn fine place to be.